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225 S. Pine Street, Telluride 970/728-5620
Last autumn, Smuggler's Brewpub owner and manager Josh Klein and his team transformed the restaurant from a dark, dank sports bar offering standard pub food into Telluride's go-to gastropub.
Smuggler's now has a competitive menu featuring everything from root beer-glazed baby back ribs and crispy muscovy duck to an assortment of high-end cocktails, all offered in an historic, family-friendly atmosphere, at agreeable prices to boot.
Not to worry, though: Smuggler's, which acted as a storage warehouse for the Smuggler Mine in the late 1800s, still offers house-made craft beer and mouth-watering burgers, not to mention great bar seating offering ample sports coverage.
Proud to change the face of Smuggler's, Klein is even prouder to resurrect a bar dining special that died with his previous employer, the Excelsior.
Starting this week, $15 at the bar can get you your choice of braised lamb fettucine, elk bolognese or all-natural Colorado beef, veal and pork meatballs served with tomato pomodori and linguini. The bar special also includes your choice of any Smuggler's draft beer or glass of wine.
The restaurant's transformation is even more evident behind the scenes: Klein and Smuggler's chef John Warren have made strides to offer menu items featuring all-natural, locally-grown ingredients.
"I remember when everything in this restaurant use to be served frozen and out of a bag," Warren recalled. "I moved here in 1998, and I don't think I ate anything here for several years. It's amazing how much we've turned this place around."
"Obviously we can't address this with every ingredient we offer," said Klein, "but we do offer 100 percent organic poultry from Redbird Farms and 100 percent all-natural Meyer Ranch Beef," adding that even the salads now offer all-organic ingredients grown as close to Telluride as the two can find on the open market.
In the months leading up to Telluride's hectic holiday season, Klein put his blood, sweat and tears into transforming the atmosphere of the restaurant. For weeks, the restaurant was closed, and the noises of sanding and drilling emanated from the restaurant as Klein himself refinished the walls.
The dark crayoned wooden walls featuring carved initials have given way to lush, clean walls that offer an inviting ambiance, rather than that of a rowdy sports pub.
"We removed a few of the televisions to encourage less of a sports bar atmosphere; removing the screen exposing the mirror underneath," said Warren. "Some of the locals have stopped by and said, 'wow, I didn't realize you guys bought a mirror, too!"
"This fits into our philosophy," said Klein. "We want a farmer from Naturita to come to the bar, get a burger and a beer and be as satisfied with his meal as the second homeowner enjoying a glass of wine and a pasta dish is with his."
Speaking of pasta: it's all made in-house, along with the bacon, sausage and beer (the brewery, Klein said, was designed by Telluride Brewing Company proprietor Chris Fish).
"Everything we can make in house, we do," said Warren, "Nothing is frozen. We use our beer in almost all of our rubs."
Part-way through my meal, Melisa Pilgnatro, Klein's wife and Smuggler's general manager, stopped by my table to introduce herself. Having worked with top chefs (including Emeril Lagasse), she was instrumental in constructing not only Smuggler's new menu, but also its list of specialty cocktails. Insisting that I try her Alma Rosa, she said the drink is similar to what her family drinks in Mexico.
Rarely, if ever, do I drink mezcal. But I immediately understood why some in Mexico would want something like an Alma Rosa ($10) after a long day enduring the blistering rays of the Mexican sun. Featuring Mezcal Vago, this pink drink is served in a tumbler with hibiscus water, sugar in the raw, chili salt and fresh lime. The mezcal has very little presence up front, and is quickly overshadowed by the smoky chili salt and relaxing hibiscus water. When the Telluride sun bakes the humid valley after a brief monsoon next summer, I imagine there is simply no substitute for this refresher.
But when the wind is howling and the long rides up Chair 9 freeze your bones, stop by Smuggler's for a Fried Banana and Bacon ($14). The tempura-fried banana slices are paired perfectly with thick slices of homemade bacon and hearty portions of Nutella and honey-blackberry jam sandwiched between slices of Texas Toast.
The first bite of this permissibly gluttonous treat echoes the warm embrace of southern hospitality. The salt of the bacon and crunch of the sweet bananas was enough to have me yearn for a relaxing afternoon on the couch soaking in Netflix episodes, or diving head-first into a book.
"That's what we want here at Smuggler's; we brought this restaurant to a higher level, offering good beer, comfort food and a contemporary atmosphere," said Klein.
The Vibe: Sit, relax, get a beer, grab a burger. Or, sit, relax and order from pasta, soup or salad item list. Either way, Smuggler's is a relaxing atmosphere perfect for a date, solo or with the family.
Price Point: While the restaurant does feature top-notch ingredients and is located steps away from the gondola, its menus are relatively inexpensive. Dinner and drinks for two are about $50.
Open Monday - Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.


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Message from the Director
Spokane County Library District Overview
Planning Process
Our Vision & Mission
Service Priorities – Goals & Objectives
Resource Allocation
Spokane County Library District has a strong history of serving the community. Through its collection of books, magazines, movies, music, and digital resources, the library has provided access to information and ideas for over 70 years. At its 10 libraries, dedicated District staff offer programs that promote early learning, support student achievement, and encourage community engagement.
In 2012, the Library District embarked upon a planning process to listen to our members and learn about their aspirations for our community. We heard about the economic challenges people are facing and learned people want to feel more connected to one another, the community, and the region. While the library can't solve all the challenges facing our community, we are committed to being part of the solution in the areas where our strengths and expertise can contribute to creating a positive community impact. The library is well positioned to identify community assets, connect with partners, and implement programs and services that benefit the community as a whole.
In the next three years, we will allocate resources to support the service priorities that have been identified and outlined in the Community Impact Plan. We will continue to exercise good stewardship by centralizing system resources in order to expand services in all District libraries. We will draw upon the expertise of staff to replicate best practices and provide high quality services in all libraries. The Plan provides a road map for expanding services that have the greatest impact on our communities and to deliver services that are both relevant and responsive in changing times.
We realize nothing is constant except change. We will evaluate our successes, learn from our mistakes, and strive to continue improving the services we provide. The Spokane region has exciting times ahead and Spokane County Library District will be a part of creating the best future possible.
The Spokane County Library District, established in 1942, initially provided services through a contract with the City of Spokane. The Spokane Valley Library was the first District library building to open in 1955. Today, the District operates 10 libraries serving the unincorporated areas of Spokane County and eleven of its cities and towns. According to the 2011 census, the population served is 261,118. The District's primary source of funding is property tax with a maximum levy of 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation.
Spokane County Library District began a strategic planning process in the summer of 2012, committed to the idea that excellent libraries come from offering services that are responsive to local needs, interests, and priorities. As a result of this process a Community Impact Plan will guide resource allocation to respond to evolving community needs, technological shifts, and emerging challenges for the benefit of our members. The Plan is flexible and incorporates promising opportunities over the next three to five years.
Spokane County Library District facilitators conducted 10 community conversations around the county. The conversations asked library members to explore their aspirations and hopes, not just for the library, but for the community as a whole. During these sessions we heard about the need for businesses that create good paying jobs so that our children stay in Spokane to raise their families. We heard about challenges in getting from place to place. While the comments differed slightly from one conversation to another, one continuous thread was the desire to feel connected and to know what is happening in the community. We heard in the conversations how people aspire to live in a community where there are places for people of all generations to gather, share local talent, and make connections.
One-on-one interviews with individual community leaders rounded out the input. These leaders were recommended as respected by the community for their knowledge of their respective communities, and ability to act in ways that made a difference in the lives of those living there. These leaders included a church pastor and author, an elementary school principal, a high school librarian, and an education coordinator for the county's 4H program. There was a wide variety in ages and professions interviewed.
Library staff and the Board of Trustees also contributed throughout the process, sharing input on current District strengths, assets, and potential library services. The strategic planning committee reviewed community, staff, and Trustee input identifying four service priorities where the District is well suited to lead efforts toward enhancing our community. The committee then broke into teams, developing goals and objectives for each of the four priorities.
August 2012
Strategic Planning for Results boot camp
September 2012
Facilitator training with Jeff Stafford
Staff day for gathering staff input
October and November 2012
Community conversations
Committee work analyzing results to discover service priorities
December 2012
Small group committee meetings for each service priority
January 2013
Board of Trustees presentation for Board feedback
February 2013
Board of Trustees official adoption of the Community Impact Plan
Excellence is defined locally
Excellence is not solely based on funding
Excellence comes from focusing on community assets
Excellence isn't achieved in a vacuum
Spokane County Library District is the essential place to explore, learn, and create.
We inspire learning, advance knowledge, and connect communities.
Based upon input from the community, staff, and Trustees, the Planning Committee explored which service priorities the District is best suited to fulfill. The Planning Committee identified some service roles that the District does well that do not fit the aspirations of the community. The Committee also looked for service roles that the District was well suited to fulfill with the help of local partners. The following four service priorities were identified:
Develop Young Learners
Goal:Parents, teachers, and caregivers will have programs and services designed to help them prepare their children to start school.
Goal:Children birth to five will have the services and programs they need to enter school ready to learn.
Support Job Seekers and Local Businesses
Goal:Teens and adults will have the resources and opportunities they need to attain meaningful employment.
By the end of 2014 -
Goal:Local businesses and non-profits will have the tools they need to develop and maintain successful and viable enterprises.
Explore and Discover
Goal:Everyone will have the resources they need to explore topics of interest and support to share knowledge with others.
Each year -
Connect Communities
Goal:Community members will connect with each other and engage in local activities.
Each year -
The success of this Plan is dependent upon allocating resources to support those activities which will have the greatest community impact. One of the planning assumptions was there would not be additional resources to fund new initiatives. To align resources with highest priorities, staff will evaluate existing services, continue to implement efficiency measures, and reallocate resources.
Staffing: Spokane County Library District recognizes that a well-trained knowledgeable staff is essential to the success of the library. The District will continue to invest in training and professional development of staff, within budget limitations. As service priorities shift, the roles and responsibilities of staff may also shift. Each position will be evaluated as vacancies occur to ensure the appropriate level of staff is hired. An administrative review of position roles and responsibilities will ensure we are staffing for the future. The organizational structure may also shift in order to provide leadership and direction to support the implementation of the plan.
Collections: While people continue to think of books when they think of the library, the District collection consists of materials in many formats including books, movies, music, and digital resources. The District maintains one collection that supports the educational and recreational interests of the entire service area. Materials are available to all library members regardless of which library they frequent. The District will continue to invest in digital resources that can be accessed remotely to facilitate greater use to the District's collection. Materials that support service priorities will be emphasized and efforts to increase access will be maximized.
Facilities: The District will continue to maintain library buildings as welcoming places where people come to learn, share information, and connect to their community. The role of the library as a community center where people gather will increase even as the library staff turns outward to connect with the community beyond its walls. Virtual access to the library will increase as more electronic resources are made available remotely. Meeting spaces will serve as essential gathering places to learn and connect.
In light of strategic community priorities, the District will revise theLibrary Facilities Master Planto focus on building new libraries that are flexible and able to adapt to emerging service roles. Where possible, existing spaces will be repurposed to create engaging learning areas for young children, to support the information needs of job seekers, and provide welcoming spaces where the community can gather to learn and share information.
Library buildings are a community asset and the District will continue to invest in buildings that are civic destinations reflecting the pride and character of the communities served.
Technology: The District recognizes technology is the backbone for library services. It is this technology that allows our community members to learn, connect to the world, and pursue personal goals. The District continues to invest in technology infrastructure that allows members to enhance learning and communication. Currently, the District supports access to the Internet using library computers and a wireless network. The District provides public computers to access library resources and supports 21st Century learning. Technology is a resource that will be used to support service priorities by providing work flow efficiencies enabling staff to devote time to new service initiatives, and to enhance the learning and creativity of the public to pursue personal interests.
Sonia Gustafson, Planning Coordinator was supported by Public Service Managers Doug Stumbough and Patrick Roewe throughout the planning process. Jeff Stafford, PhD, Professor of Communication at Eastern Washington University provided facilitator training and served as a planning consultant to the planning leadership.
Ms. Gustafson would like to thank the following staff members for serving on the Facilitator Team: Mary Kay Anderson, Jane Baker, Kris Barnes, Morgan Garratt, De Griffith, Katie Hannan, Stacy Hartkorn, Carlie Hoffman, Jason Johnson, Aileen Luppert, Teresa Nelson, Debra Park, Ruth Safranek, Lori Shotwell, Cara Strickland, Doug Stumbough, Amber Williams
Thanks to those who served on the Strategic Planning Committee: Mary Kay Anderson, Jane Baker, Andrea Bass, Mary Ellen Braks, Mandy Conlon, Julie Ferguson, Patty Franz, Jennifer Fuher, De Griffith, Kathryn Hardin, Jason Johnson, Janelle Krum, Aileen Luppert, Debra Park, Gina Rice, Patrick Roewe, Lori Shotwell, Cindy Slaton, Doug Stumbough, Amber Williams
Library Board of Trustee members provided input at their annual retreat and gave feedback to the status reports at their monthly meetings.
2012 Board of Trustees
Tim Hattenburg, Chair
Mary E. Lloyd, Vice Chair
Ann Apperson
Daniel Davis
Mark Johnson
2013 Board of Trustees
Tim Hattenburg, Chair
Daniel Davis, Vice Chair
Mary E. Lloyd
Mark Johnson
Sean Morrow

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Welcome to a Monday on which we continue to give thanks to those who fought to protect the freedom we hold so dear. Here are some news items to get the week started.
– Will Kirk Douglas play this London fraud defendant in the movie?
– Warning: This post is rated X (as we used to say before NC-17).
– Mr. Mayor, are you recording this call?
– In Detroit, a convicted murderer may get the chance to clear his name after 23 years.


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|Architectural Intern (Experienced)
|Post Date:
|Friday, November 30
|Job Title:
|Architectural Intern (Experienced)
|Flad Architects
- Responsible for preparing presentation drawings and models and
developing designs and technical solutions throughout all phases of a
- Participate and contribute to design discussions, idea generation, and design work in drawing, model and 3D image formats.
- Generate revisions and corrections from outline mock-ups, redlined drawings and project document sets.
- Attend client meetings to observe the overall process and develop presentation skills.
- Participate in construction site visits to better understand the construction process.
- Recognize and document conflicts that arise during construction and development and offer alternatives to resolve these issues.
- Bachelor's degree in architecture and five years relevant architectural experience required experience in one of Flad's market segments preferred.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit and Sketch-up required.
- A Master's degree in architecture and LEED AP preferred.
- Experience with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator and 3D rendering software are strongly preferred.
- Only candidates who submit work samples will be considered.
To apply for this position, please
|Contact Information:
|Human Resource
|Contact Phone:
|Contact Email:
|Misc. Info:


text:
- Description
- Delivery
- Occasions
Convey meaningful messages of love and congratulations on the birth of a new baby with the perfect gift of one dozen large pink roses in an elegant keepsake vase.
The lush 50 cm roses are accented with fresh greenery to provide color contrast and dimension. When hand-delivered to the recipient's door, this classic bouquet always fills the heart with joy and tenderness.
Gift Includes:
- 12 Pink Roses (50 cm).
- Assorted Lush Greenery and more.
- A free gift card with personal message.
- Arrives in a stylish glass vase.
- Hand delivered to the recipient's home or office by experienced florists.
- A plush teddy bear, balloons, wine, champagne, or chocolates may be added to your order based on availability. Please contact customer service for more information.
Measures approximately 20" x 17".
During checkout, please be sure to indicate your preferred occasion when you choose a gift card. Exact flowers and vase may vary depending upon location and availability.
Same day delivery is available if you place your order by 2pm in your recipient's time zone, M-F and by 1pm on Saturday. To see if Sunday delivery is available in your area please contact customer service.Gift #13104
New Joy Rose Bouquet is a hand delivered gift. These gifts are delivered by one of our local design centers located throughout the United States and Canada.
Typically, standard deliveries are made between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM, with business deliveries before 5:00 PM. Hours may be extended during holidays. Please note in some locations we may need an additional 24 hours for the delivery of exotic flowers, wine and fruit baskets.
Same day delivery is available for most gifts when ordered before the cutoff time. The cutoff time for New Joy Rose Bouquet is 2 PM in the recipient's time zone.
New Joy Rose Bouquet has been purchased most frequently by our customers for the following occasions:
- Birthday
- Thinking of You
- Romantic
- Valentine's Day
- Anniversary
Average Rating:(3 reviews) write a review
- Recommended
Outstanding Quality February 19, 2014
I highly recommend this Florist! I received my pink roses from them. I've also used them for my husband's funeral and was extremely happy. They use grade A quality flowers. They are the BEST!
Good Presentation November 1, 2013
good presentation as per the picture
- Recommended
Beautiful Flowers December 24, 2012
The arrangement is very beautiful. Very pleased with freshness of the flowers. The roses were delivered on Monday and they bloomed perfectly. They are still opening up a full week later.


text:
For years, pundits and politicians have argued that government should be run like a business, tossing about terms like "zero-based and priority-based budgeting, and across-the-board cuts."
What about bringing the process down a notch, and running it like a household budget: Setting aside a certain amount for expenses which must be covered, and cutting the luxuries in lean times?
Douglas County officials are inviting the public to participate in the "budget challenge," an online program on the county's website that allows participants to try their hand at dispersing $500 among county services.
The fictional $500 is only a fraction of …


text:
Main Content
Gear up for the cooler months of your favorite sport while showing off your love for the world-renowned Chelsea Football Club in this classic hooded tee from adidas! It features contrast applied stripes at the sleeves with an appliqué team patch at the left chest.
- 90% Cotton/10% Polyester
- Midweight hooded T-shirt
- Applique logo patch
- Contrast applied stripes
- Embroidered adidas logo
- Two front zippered pockets
- Imported
- Officially licensed
Special event items are produced by manufacturers only after the outcome of a game or event. These are advanced sale items and will ship immediately after they are received in our warehouse.
Manufacturer direct items are shipped directly from the manufacturer. These items are not available for international or expedited shipping.
Customized items can be personalized with options such as your name, your favorite number, and/or designs. Some options may be limited by league rules.


text:
The COJFD firefighters will hold a bake sale on Saturday, Sept. 22, to support the renewal levy. The bake sale will be held at Hometown Market in Centerburg from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Then the COJFD Supporters is holding a spaghetti dinner on Friday, Sept. 28 before Centerburgs home football game against Danville. The dinner will be held at Centerburg Elementary from 5 to 7 p.m.
The public is invited to attend and to ask questions and donate to the levy campaign.
Published on September 19, 2012


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text:
Set of 4 Soup Cereal Bowls
Our Cappuccino pattern's slightly oversized plates and its unique shapes of the mug, cereal bowl and serving pieces give this collection a stylish, updated look. From cereal in the morning to soup at lunch and ice cream for dessert, this bowl is a must-have. Microwave and dishwasher safe. Set of 4 Soup/cereal bowls, each measures 5-3/4 inch diameter and hold 20 ounce.
You May Also Like
Rated 5 out of 5 by 1 reviewer.
Rated 5 out of 5 by Backpkr Better than our older version of same bowl We've had the Cappuccino set of Pfaltzgraff for many years now. These bowls that we received in 2013 seem to be crafted even better with a more solid base and a better glaze than the prior version we are replacing. I love this pattern and Pfaltzgraff! March 29, 2013
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Christopher is Science Friday's senior producer.
by Richard B. Primack
A newly discovered mite from Ohio is reminiscent of the caterpillar-like dragons of Chinese New Year's fame.
Research suggests that yogurt containing active bacterial cultures could have multiple health benefits.
Artist Brandon Ballengée's portraits of deformed frogs turn scientific specimens into "stained glass windows."
This sea sponge challenges a popular idea of what triggered the evolution of animal life on earth.
Sign up for SciFri in your inbox
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Science Friday® is produced by the Science Friday Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Science Friday® and SciFri® are registered service marks of Science Friday, Inc. Site design by Pentagram; engineering by Mediapolis.


text:
COLUMBIANA - Deborah Lynn Duncan, 55, of 114 Hawkins Lane, died Tuesday morning at Northside Medical Center, Youngs-town.
Mrs. Duncan was born May 22, 1957 in East Liverpool, a daughter of the late Hubert I. and Dorothy Mason Holtzman and had lived in this area all of her life.
She is survived by her husband, Ronald C. Duncan Sr., whom she married October 21, 1978; a son, Ronald C. (Monica) Duncan Jr. of Austintown; two step-grandchildren, Brian and Mariah; and her two cats, Gilligan and Skipper.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 13, 2012 at Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana with the Rev. Dr. Barry Walker officiating. Burial will follow in Crest Haven Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5-9 p.m. on Friday.
Sign the register and send condolences at www.familycareservices.com.


text:
colored jeansMost of us are so busy doing back-to-school shopping for our kids that we tend to neglect ourselves -- and our wardrobes during this time of year. But as much as we want our kids to have everything they need to be ready for school, there are also a few items moms shouldn't feel guilty about buying for themselves in order to look stylish and ready for fall. And as much as it's tough to hang up our summer dresses and comfy shorts, we're definitely nearing the point where the temperatures just won't fit with our clothing choices anymore.
More from The Stir: Kindergartner's Tee Banned By School Because It Supports Wrong Sports Team
I mean, we're already out shopping, so why not throw a few extra items into the cart?
One thing I plan on picking up this season is a cute pair of colored jeans, like the ones pictured from Old Navy, which are definitely all the rage right now. They're such a nice change from traditional blue denim, and they give moms an extra edge, which can be tough to achieve without looking like we're trying too hard!
Aside from colored jeans, here are seven other things moms need to buy for the perfect fall wardrobe.Trench Coat
Image via LOFT
Trench Coat
A trench coat is an absolute necessity for fall -- and this star print cotton one from LOFT is just adorable!
More from The Stir: 7 T-Shirts That Will Make Your Kid Look Smart
Image via Ann Taylor
Classic Black Pants
No mom can get through school functions and nights out without a pair of go-to black pants. This pair from Ann Taylor is sure to flatter most shapes.Shirtdress
Image via Gap
A cute shirtdress, like this one from Gap, is perfect to wear to work -- or you can dress it up with heels for an evening out.Black & Brown Boots
Image via Zappos
Black & Brown Boots
No fall wardrobe is complete without a pair of both black and brown classic boots.Blazer
Image via Old Navy
Old Navy has these cute casual blazers for only $39.94 -- and they go with everything!
More from The Stir: 5 Fabulous 'Real Housewife' Looks You Can Steal
Image via Zappos
From jeans to dresses, flats go with everything, and they're easy on your feet too!
Image via Banana Republic
Colorful Cardigans
Banana Republic carries these "Whisper Cardigans" in an array of colors. They'll keep you warm without looking frumpy or bulky.
What are you most looking forward to wearing this fall?
Image via Old Navy
Written by Mary Fischer for CafeMom's blog, The Stir.
More from The Stir:
8 Amazing Fashion Finds That Will Save You Serious Cash
Spanx Are Suddenly the New Training Bras for Teen Girls
10 Back-to-School Fashion Essentials for Cool Kids


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Mplus Home
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Contextual effect for twolevel SEM
Mplus Discussion
Multilevel Data/Complex Sample
Student 09
posted on Saturday, December 27, 2008 - 3:04 am
I wonder how to correctly compute a contextual effect when using a twolevel SEM with latent factors.
Following Raudenbush and Bryk (2002, p. 141), for models with groupmean-centering the contexual effect is computed as
beta_between - beta_within.
This could straigtforward be applied to a model where one regresses e.g.
latent factor Y on latent factor X on both levels, and then computes the differences in the unstandardized beta`s. Would this be correct? If so, how could I test the significance of any difference between these two beta`s?
Bengt O. Muthen
posted on Friday, January 02, 2009 - 8:10 am
This topic is a little involved, which has delayed our answer. There has been some work done on this and we are checking if this is ready to be distributed. One key issue which the observed variable case of R&B doesn't face, is that the formula you give would only be relevant if the within and between factor loadings were equal so you are sure you are dealing with the same latent variable on both levels. That equality often does not hold.
Student 09
posted on Monday, January 05, 2009 - 9:55 am
Dear Dr. Muthen
I would be very grateful if you would notify me once your work is published - if you are aware of any further published research reports in this field (I am not) please let me know
Student 09
posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 - 2:20 am
Dear Dr. Muthen
according to Bryk and Raudenbush (2002, 141), a contexual effect can - besides the grandmean-centred centered approach (e.g. ex9.1a & ex9.1b)- also be computed as: b_between - b_within = b_contextual.
A potential limitation of this approach is that one gets no information whether the resulting difference is significantly different from zero.
To obtain this information apart from the grand-mean centered approach, I am curious whether it would be correct to
A) constrain the within- and between-regression weights of the variable of interest to equality and then
B) compare the fit of a constrained (b_between = b_within) to an unconstrained (b_between /= b_within) model. Then,
C) if the fit of the constrained model would not differ from the unconstrained model, I would argue that the contextual effect (b_between - b_within) is not significant.
Would this procedure be correct?
Bengt O. Muthen
posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 - 6:31 am
See page 231 of the Version 5 User's Guide for how to get this significance information using Model Constraint. See also
Lüdtke, O., Marsh, H.W., Robitzsch, A., Trautwein, U., Asparouhov, T., & Muth�n, B. (2008). The multilevel latent covariate model: A new, more reliable approach to group-level effects in contextual studies. Psychological Methods, 13, 203-229.
under Papers, Multilevel SEM.
Student 09
posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 - 7:42 am
Thanks, I'll check the Ludtke paper. In the meantime, let me ask whether it is correct that the within-slopes must be invariant (=fixed coefficients, variance between groups) for estimating contextual effects?
Thanks a lot!
Student 09
posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 - 8:22 am
Thanks for the Ludtke et al. reference which, for the time being, clarified my earlier questions.
Bengt O. Muthen
posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 - 8:24 am
The contextual model uses fixed slopes. See the reference our UG gives: Raudenbush & Bryk 2002, p. 140.
Student 09
posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 6:40 am
I am still not clear for which reason grandmean-centering is used in ex9.1b.
I noted that deactivating grandmean-centering yields almost identical results, the only difference being that the y-intercept with grandmean-centered X is 2.036, but without grandmean-centered X the y-intercept is 2.005.
From the UG, I understand that in line with the 'group mean example' by R&B (table 5.11, p. 140), in ex.9.1b beta_c is calculated as gamma01 - gamma10.
For this way of calculating contextual effects R&B do not use grand-mean (X..), but group-mean (X.j) centering only.
Grand-mean centering is used in the right hand example of table 5.11. But because in this second example beta_c is equal to gamma01, this procedure obviously differs from the way contextual effects are estimated in ex9.1.b. That's were my confusion comes from.
So at the risk of asking something very obvious or which could be deduced from the Luedtke et al. paper, I would be very grateful if you could give me an answer a) whether and if so,
b) for which reason grandmean-centering must be used in ex9.1b-types of analysis?
Many thanks for your answer!
Bengt O. Muthen
posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 10:55 am
Grand-mean centering is not essential for ex9.1b.
Simon Denny
posted on Thursday, August 27, 2009 - 4:27 pm
I have been looking at the paper by Ludtke et al(2008) as I am running a contextual analysis of school climate.
I have a question regarding the paper which is confusing me. On page 207 it states
"Thus, y10 is the specific effect of the group mean after controlling for interindividual differences on X." (1st para top of page)
Shouldn't this be y01 as the contextual effect?
Thanks for your help!
Linda K. Muthen
posted on Friday, August 28, 2009 - 12:51 pm
Oliver Ludtke says it is a typo. "It should be gamma_01 instead of gamma_10."
Simon Denny
posted on Saturday, August 29, 2009 - 3:38 pm
Thanks Linda, a couple of follow-up questions.
1. Why in example in 9.1 do you use Centering = grandmean (x) rather groupmean? I take it that it doesn't really matter in a random intercepts only model. But would groupmean be more appropriate as this is how Mplus decomposes the latent variable (pg 231 users guide).
2. Mplus doesn't produce standardized outputs for variables in model constraint. When I subtract gama01 from gamma10 by hand from the output I get the same as the model constraint estimates. Can I do the same for standardized gamma10 and gama01 output to get standardized contextual coefficients?
Simon Denny
posted on Saturday, August 29, 2009 - 3:48 pm
sorry, just figured out that you can't use GROUPMEAN for variables used in between analyses. But why specify grandmean (x) anyhow?
Bengt O. Muthen
posted on Saturday, August 29, 2009 - 6:31 pm
The Raudenbush-Bryk (2002) page 140 Table 5.11 shows two alternatives, group- and grand-mean centering. As you see there, the grand-mean approach gets you the contextual effect directly as the between-level slope. So here you can use the standardized coefficient directly. As an exercise you can see if you get that by standardizing the subtraction in the group-mean centered alternative.
Simon Denny
posted on Sunday, August 30, 2009 - 2:48 pm
Thanks, that works for the observed covariate group-mean contextual effect.
I guess I was meaning for the second part of example 9.1, why specify grandmean centering for the latent covariate model? As described on page 231 - the latent variable is decomposed as a latent group mean. Hence the need to transform the within and between slopes as in the MODEL CONSTRAINT command.
Is it because Grandmean centering helps the maximum liklihood estimation of the latent group mean?
Bengt O. Muthen
posted on Sunday, August 30, 2009 - 3:09 pm
I don't think that centering is important.
davide morselli
posted on Thursday, August 05, 2010 - 7:08 am
I'm testing a cross level mediation in which a L2 predictor (X) has an effect on a L1 dependent latent variable (Y) via an L1 mediator (m) (it's the type 2-1-1). The dependent variable is a 2-level latent factor specified by three indicators which factor loadings are constrainted to be equal across the 2 levels.
According to Preacher, Zyphur & Zhang (2010), to test the mediation I have to free the variance of the mediator at the to levels. Namely to remove m from the WITHIN list in the VARIABLE specification of my Mplus model.
I was wondering if this mean that I need also to control for the contextual effect of m, as suggested by Ludtke et al (2008) or I simply center it on the grandmean.
davide morselli
posted on Thursday, August 05, 2010 - 10:24 am
In addition to previous post, I'm also trying to calculate the effect size of X on Y, on the basis of Marsh et al (2009).
I am interested in the total size of the effect (direct+indirect).
Using Marsh's indications I wrote the model as following:
DV_W by R1_CNV (2) ;
DV_W by R2_CNV (1) ;
DV_W by R3_CNV (3);
DV ON MV(b_within);
MV (Psi_W);
DV_W (Theta_W);
DV_B by R1_CNV (2) ;
DV_B by R2_CNV (1) ;
DV_B by R3_CNV (3);
DV_B ON IV_B (b1_between);
DV_B ON MV (b2_between);
MV ON IV_B (b3_between);
IV_B (Psi2_B);
CNV_B (Theta_B);
MV (Psi_B);
Model constraint:
IND_EFF = b3_between*b2_between;
!effect sizes
EFFSIZE = (b1_between+IND_EFF)*2*(sqrt(Psi_B + Psi2_B))/sqrt(Psi_W*b_within**2 + Theta_W);
I was wondering if you think the equation for EFFSIZE is correct.
Resulting effect size is .367; I also tried a model without the mediating variable (MV). In that case the effect size results .328
Thank you very much!!
Linda K. Muthen
posted on Thursday, August 05, 2010 - 10:46 am
The MODEL command should be as follows with neither m nor y on the WITHIN list.
y ON m;
y ON m; ! contextual effect
m ON x;
For the second part of your question, please send the full output and your license number to
Jennifer Yahner
posted on Friday, October 01, 2010 - 6:18 am
Dear Dr. Muthen,
Thanks for all your recent help.
I am also trying to estimate a 2-1-1 mediation model.
Are you saying that we should use your more simplified command above instead of the one from Example E of Preacher et al. (2010), which I have written below?
m y;
y ON m;
x m y;
m ON x(a);
y ON m(b);
y ON x;
NEW(indb); !<--Between indirect effect
Linda K. Muthen
posted on Friday, October 01, 2010 - 6:55 am
I was translated what you wrote into the Mplus language. If you want to estimate an indirect effect also, you can use MODEL CONSTRAINT as shown above.
yin fu
posted on Monday, September 12, 2011 - 7:12 am
Dear Dr. Muthen,
I am trying to moderate a contextual effect. I am using a similar syntax code to Marsh et al. 2009. When modeling their model 4 (no random slopes) and their model 5a (random slopes), the contextual effect switches from (significantly) positive to (non-significant) negative in my model.
What could be the reasons for that? The effect stayed similar in the Marsh et al. paper.
Also I am a bit unsure about the "[s] (b_within);" command on the %between% level in Model 5a. Does it say: "the mean of the variance of the slope s on level 2 is called b_within"? Isn't that different to the defining command of (b_within) in model 4?
Thanks for your help, Martin
Bengt O. Muthen
posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 - 9:25 am
For your first question it is best if you contact one of the two first authors.
Regarding your second question, the Model 5 statement "[s] (b_within)" says "the mean of the random slope s is given the label b_within". The Model 4 (b_within) is the fixed slope, so the Model 5 label refers to the same thing conceptually, except that in Model 5 the slope also has a variance.
yin fu
posted on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 - 3:43 am
Dear Dr. Muthen,
Thanks for clarifying. I compared my two outputs and the reason for the contextual effect to switch signs is a strongly decreasing Between Level effect.
Is it a normal thing to happen, that the between effect decreases a lot, when a random slope is included in the model, or are chances high that there is something wrong with my data?
Thanks again, Martin
Bengt O. Muthen
posted on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 - 2:13 pm
I think that can happen. See the Raudenbush-Bryk (2002) HLM book.
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Below are some tips and facts on how to take care of yourself if you have the flu and also to keep others healthy.
Symptoms of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Generally, people with either type of flu can manage recovery at home with little or no medical attention. However, certain people are at higher risks of serious flu-related complications.
These individuals should consult with their health care providers with the onset of flu-like symptoms, or following recent close contact with someone who has the flu:
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Pregnant women are at higher risks of complications from flu and, like all people at higher risk, should speak with their health care provider as soon as possible if they develop flu-like symptoms. Early treatment with antiviral flu medications is recommended for pregnant women who have the flu; these medications are most effective when started within the first 48 hours of feeling sick.
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Jim MacPherson is the host of "The Car Doctor" show Sundays at noon on WTIC-AM. Send comments, questions, suggestions in care of Special Publications, Hartford Courant, 285 Broad St., Hartford, CT 06115. For more automotive news, check out the Cars.com On The Road section each Wednesday in The Courant.
Jim MacPherson
On The RoadE-mail
Return of the Fours
April 1, 2014
Go back to the beginning of the automobile in the early 20th Century, and you'll find cars powered by one-cylinder engines. As with most lawnmowers today, a single cylinder did the job. If you've ever heard a "one-lunger," as these single-cylinder cars are sometimes called, you'll never forget the sound and cadence of the power stroke that seems too infrequent to produce forward motion. Yet, it worked.
Fudging Your Car Insurance Numbers? Be Prepared to Pay
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Most people think of staged accidents when it comes to insurance fraud. However, there are other forms fraud can take. Exaggerating a loss or injury after a crash is just one example.
License Renewal Test Might Not Fix Bad Behavior
March 18, 2014
What would happen if every driver had to pass a written test on the rules of the road before getting their license renewed? That's the idea behind Raised Bill No. 335 that was discussed at a Joint Transportation Committee public hearing in Hartford two weeks ago. This draft legislation called for a written test to be administered at every license renewal. It also required that a driver who failed the written test would not only have to try again – and pass – but would also have to pass an on-the-road test.
Diligent Driving the Best Prevention for Backover Accidents
February 25, 2014
When teaching new drivers or a driver improvement course, one of my favorite questions is asking when the act of driving actually begins. Answers usually range from opening the driver's door and sliding behind the wheel to the moment the car begins to move. One of the more popular responses is when the key is in the ignition switch. None of these are right, and it's rare for a participant to give the correct answer.
What's Important to You?
February 19, 2014
It's finally happened. When I started doing car reviews 27 years ago, I expected to be asked why my review differed from others. That question never came, until now. Thank Michael from Willington for e-mailing me several weeks ago.
Three Car Makers; Three Approaches to Fuel Economy
February 11, 2014
More stringent fuel economy standards for all vehicles, including pickup trucks, are coming. With this in mind, it's interesting to note that Ford, Dodge and Chrysler, three major pickup truck makers in the United States, have taken markedly different approaches to meeting those standards.
Rock, Paper, Scissors - Tires
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It's a variation of rock-paper-scissors that all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicle owners are likely familiar with: Will their vehicle's drive system negate the need for snow tires?
Land of Steady Habits Also Home to Country's Oldest Drivers
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At a recent meeting of the Connecticut Driving School Professionals, an interesting statistic was shared. Based on population, Connecticut has more drivers age 85 or older than any other state in the
Ranking License Plates from Sea to Shining Sea
January 22, 2014
It's far from the most important issue facing drivers. Still, it's interesting to note that in a survey by carinsurance.com, your fellow motorists said the nation's best-looking license plate is issued by the
How to Keep Mice Out of Your Car
January 14, 2014
Repelling Unwanted Rodents
IIHS Boosts Rating Criteria for 2014
January 7, 2014
Autonomous Cars Don't Completely Eliminate the Human Factor
January 6, 2014
As we start the new year, there are people in the auto safety establishment who hold out great hope for autonomous cars. These are vehicles that can drive themselves, thanks to a combination of sensors, anticipated infrastructure enhancements and massive computer power.
Deciphering the Differences Between All-Wheel and Four-Wheel Drive
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Many people use the terms "all-wheel drive" and "four-wheel drive" interchangeably. That's understandable, since the differences between the two can seem highly technical.
Viruses: The Technology of the Future?
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News filtering out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) several weeks ago brought to mind the fact that we missed the centennial of an important automotive development last year: the 100th anniversary of the electric self-starter. This was introduced on the 1912 Cadillac.
Holiday Gifts for Motorists
December 10, 2013
Last year, I pledged not to do my Christmas shopping at the last minute. Unlike the year before, when I started and finished the process on December 24, I did all my shopping on December 22. It really feels good to do things in advance.
Lime Yellow is the New Red
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Fire trucks are supposed to be red.
Getting the Most from a Test Drive
November 26, 2013
A little over a year ago, Automotive News reported that a Maritz survey revealed that 11 percent of new car shoppers did not take a test drive before making their purchase. Later, the publication highlighted an IBM Corp. auto-retail survey that showed 21 percent of new car buyers did not test drive any new vehicle before buying.
Parent Involvement Key in Teen Driver Safety
November 19, 2013
I recently helped a teenage family member get a driver's license. He passed on the first try.
Stop Rust in its Tracks
November 12, 2013
The subject at hand is rust, as suggested by a UConn student who attended a talk I gave on car buying last month. Her combination question and complaint centered on the corrosion warranty that came with her new car. The vehicle had developed some rust on the right front door, the result of a shopping cart strike in a parking lot. The dealer said that the corrosion warranty did not apply and that repairs would be her responsibility. "What good is a warranty for rust if they won't fix rust?" she asked.
The Psychology of Fuel Economy
November 5, 2013
From time to time I have been asked to speak to a class of seniors at the University of Connecticut on the subject of car buying. I like to arrive about 20 minutes early. That time cushion goes a long way toward taking the pressure off the drive to Storrs. Encountering an extra red light or being slowed by traffic doesn't really matter, since I have plenty of time.
Jim and Paula Take A Spin at the Track
October 29, 2013
Each year, the two professional automotive writers associations to which I belong, the International Motor Press Association (IMPA) and the Motor Press Guild (MPG), hold "track days." These are sessions held at a race track that allow member auto writers to drive new cars on the track, on surrounding public streets and, in the case of sport utility vehicles, off road. This year, Paula, my wife and co-reviewer, joined me at the Motor Press Guild's Track Days, held at Willow Springs International Motorsports Park in the Antelope Valley of California.
As Government Delays, Backup Tragedies Continue
October 22, 2013
A tragic event over the weekend underscored the importance of seeing what's behind you when backing up. A 2-year-old boy was killed Saturday afternoon in East Hartford after being struck by a car while playing with friends. The child was hit by an SUV that was backing out of a driveway. Police haven't released any further details.
"Not So Fast," A Must Read for Parents of Teen Drivers
October 8, 2013
Faced with the devastating loss of his teenage son Reid in a traffic accident in December 2006, Tim Hollister looked for more insight on teenage driving as part of his recovery process. Through that effort, he has become one of the nation's more knowledgeable and astute experts on teen driving, its inherent risks and the steps parents need to take to reduce teenage crashes.
Warning: What's Behind Your Car?
October 1, 2013
They are called backover incidents. That may sound innocent enough, but these incidents take the lives of more than 200 individuals and cause another 18,000 injuries every year. It happens when a driver, unable to see what is behind them, backs up and hits a person. Forty-four percent of those killed in a backover incident are children under the age of five.
Cellphones: The Cause of and Solution to Distracted Driving
September 24, 2013
Consider it the height of irony if you wish. Honda recently demonstrated a system that enlists the very wireless technology responsible for distracting drivers in order to help reduce distracted driving. Three weeks ago, the company unveiled its Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) system in Detroit.
Do Your Homework When Buying Used
September 17, 2013
Talk about car sales and most people immediately think about new cars. However, used car sales dwarf new car sales when it comes to volume. The used car market is approximately three times larger than the market for new cars. In 2012, a year in which new car and truck sales totaled nearly 14.5 million vehicles, the used market saw an estimated 40 million sales.
Teen Driver Safety Runs Year Round
September 10, 2013
The Gender Divide
September 3, 2013
As John Gray noted in his book, "Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus," men and women have different needs, wants and expectations when it comes to relationships. It turns out that this is also true for automobiles.
We Are What We Drive
August 27, 2013
If we are what we eat, are we also what we drive? Does our choice in motor vehicles reflect or shape our personality? Is it possible it does both?
Older Buyers are Still Key to the Auto Industry
August 20, 2013
There is an old vaudeville one-liner that holds growing old isn't so bad when you consider the alternative. However, automotive marketing managers take a different view.
Despite Advantages, Electric Cars Not Mainstream - Yet
August 13, 2013
Last week, the long-rumored $5,000 price cut for the Chevrolet Volt became official. That vehicle will now have a starting price of $34,995. Other electric vehicles have also lowered their prices, as Ford dropped the Focus Electric's price by $4,000 and Nisan cut $6,400 off the Leaf's starting price.
Recalling a Legendary Engineer
July 23, 2013
Lost two weeks ago in the news shuffle was the death of Amar G. Bose at age 83. Dr. Bose was the founder of Bose Corporation, a company noted for its innovative and often unorthodox approaches to electronics and audio equipment.
Keeping Cool is a Hot Topic
July 16, 2013
Who would have thought that a simple column on auto air conditioning and the new refrigerant now showing up in some cars, HFO-1234yf, could have prompted so much reader feedback? As coincidence would have it, many of the writers noted that there was once a promise of air conditioning with no refrigerant required.
When Regulations Become Restricting
July 9, 2013
Technology + Cars = "Problems"
July 2, 2013
You could almost hear the champagne bottle corks popping at the Renaissance Center in Detroit when the results of the 2013 J.D. Power and Associates survey of new car and truck quality were released two weeks ago. The RenCen, as it's also known, is headquarters for General Motors, and that company took first place honors in this initial quality survey.
Are Cars Becoming Obsolete?
June 25, 2013
I still harbor childhood memories of an elderly relative at family reunions who would rail against the diminished role horses were playing in transportation. In truth, by the time I was exposed to these complaints, horses played no role in the lives of most people. They were never seen on the streets, with the only exceptions either an appearance in a parade or an occasional horse-riding police officer.
Where the Rubber Meets the Road
June 18, 2013
Fine Dining and Driving Come Together
June 11, 2013
Buicks have changed dramatically in recent years. Perception of the brand has not, which raises an interesting question: What does Buick have to do to change its out-of-date image?
The Future Shock of Driving
June 4, 2013
Back in 1970, Alvin Toffler became a celebrity when he wrote the book Future Shock. This title meant that the speed of changes in societal norms and technology were, in the minds of many people, coming too fast to manage and understand, much less embrace.
Living the High Life
May 28, 2013
Two weeks ago, I managed to briefly experience how the other half lives. Actually, I gained a glimpse of how the other 0.01 percent of us drives. On hand at the International Motor Press Association's Spring Brake outing – yes, it should be Spring Break, but this is a motor press group – was a Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé. In the press materials, Giles Taylor, the director of design at Rolls-Royce, describes this convertible as "a contemporary take on the timeless romance of open-top motoring." That, it is.
The Truth Behind the EPA's Fuel Economy Ratings
May 14, 2013
How should fuel economy results be determined when driving a review vehicle? That question was asked by several readers following an On The Road column on the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (EPA Ratings Are Only As Good As Your Driving Style, May 1). In that column, I noted that the wide variations my co-driver and I experienced in fuel economy came down to driving style, vehicle condition (he had to overcome a cold start; for my turn behind the wheel, the car was warm) and terrain.
Mercedes-Benz Gives Diesel a Second Chance
May 7, 2013
There is an old adage that says you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Perhaps, but the makers of diesel-powered vehicles are engaged in a valiant effort to do just that as they roll out clean diesel engines that promise to deliver impressive fuel efficiency while meeting the nation's strictest California emissions standards.
EPA Ratings are Only as Good as Your Driving Style
April 30, 2013
When it Comes to Crash Testing, Your Results May Vary
April 23, 2013
Senior citizens, in addition to rebelling against being called senior citizens, are used to getting special treatment based purely on their advancing years. There are senior discounts at the barber shop and beauty parlor, seniors-only travel tours, senior passes on trains and for mass transit, and now there could be senior crash test results.
Keeping Clean on the Go
April 17, 2013
Imagine the frustration for many automakers at the New York International Auto Show as they introduced new models during the press-only days that precede the opening of the show to the public.
Common Driving Errors (and how to avoid them)
April 9, 2013
Live from the New York International Auto Show
April 2, 2013
The 2013 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) held its press days last week, which are always interesting. This year's introductions were mobbed by members of the media, manufacturers' representatives and public relations staffers.
Automakers Aim to Hit the Mark with New Models
March 28, 2013
I recently attended a New England introduction of the new Nissan Pathfinder, which has been on sale for several months. Doing so brought the process for designing automobiles into sharper focus. When all the challenges, problems and details surrounding these efforts are considered, it's a miracle that any model hits its intended target.
How to Utilize Defensive Parking
March 20, 2013
Several years ago, a friend bought a new car for the first time in over a decade. Within a week, he picked up two nasty parking lot dings. These nicks are inflicted by thoughtless individuals who open their doors with no regard to what they'll hit and they wield shopping cars with a recklessness that would make a dedicated vandal gasp with envy. The damage they inflict is unsightly and can result in surface rust if it breaks through to bare medal.
Going Green While Keeping Cool, Part II
March 12, 2013
Last week's column looked at a major change set to take place in automotive air conditioning. The industry is switching refrigerants used in vehicle air conditioners, with HFO-1234yf replacing HFC-134a. The reason for this switch is because HFO-1234yf causes less damage if it's leaked into the atmosphere.
Staying Cool while Going Green
March 6, 2013
Back in the early 1990's, automotive air conditioning started to grab headlines in the mass media. The reason was simple: R-12, the refrigerant used in auto air conditioners at the time, was being banned.
Going to the Edge
February 26, 2013
When it comes to hills, the standards for the Interstate Highway System are specific. In mountainous and urban areas, the maximum grade, either up or down, is no more than six percent. That's a slope that measures just over three degrees, for people who prefer to think in those terms.
A New Standard in Towing
February 19, 2013
Readers old enough to remember the muscle car craze in the 1960s may also recall that automakers didn't always play it straight when it came to the performance capabilities of their vehicles. Horsepower ratings were often tweaked by the boys in marketing before being released to the masses. It wasn't unheard of to have cars delivered to auto writers for evaluation with upgrades unavailable to the public, with no mention of the modifications, of course.
Three Million Miles is Within Sight
February 5, 2013
In a way, it's mildly amusing when people bemoan the fact that their five-year-old car just passed the 120,000 mile mark, and as a result, they have no choice to but go shopping for a new car.
Automakers Going Above and Beyond When it comes to Safety
January 29, 2013
The recently concluded North American International Auto Show was the first in Detroit since the Obama administration introduced challenging new fuel economy standards for the auto industry.
Examining Some Trends from Last Year's Auto Market
January 22, 2013
While auto sales in this country were booming in the middle of the last decade, the industry was not necessarily healthy.
Automakers Pruning their Vehicles Lineups
January 15, 2013
Gardening is a wonderful activity. It allows its practitioners to meld with nature, enjoy the fresh air and get some beneficial exercise. There is an additional advantage. For those who are skilled, their efforts can enhance both the landscape and the dinner table.
Avoid Cutting Corners with Replacement Parts
January 8, 2013
When the fuel pump on my current car failed several years ago, I was more than a little perturbed to discover that the factory replacement cost $425. That's a lot of money, especially considering the last fuel pump I had replaced on another car cost $17.
Don't Take Any Driving Lessons From the Movies
January 7, 2013
Nearly 10 years ago, the Motor Press Guild held a dinner at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. There, masters of movie chase scenes and stunt drivers Hal Needham, Jack Gill and Corey Eubanks held a panel discussion on their craft. Film critic Charles Champlin also took part, as did moderator Tim Considine, the former child actor who played the eldest offspring in "My Three Sons." Today, he is a writer, photographer and automotive historian.
Some New Year's Resolutions Worth Considering
December 27, 2012
Christmas is over and 2013 is just around the corner. This is the perfect week to put the final touches on your New Year's resolutions. In case cars and driving didn't enter your thought process when you made your resolutions list, here are some suggestions to overcome that deficit. Repeat the following: "I pledge in the coming year to…
Some Unsolicited Car Shopping Advice
December 18, 2012
A recent AutomotiveNews report highlighted the results of a national survey that showed 21 percent of new car buyers don't test drive the car they buy. Not only did they not test drive the specific vehicle that ended up in their driveway, they never even drove a dealer demonstrator. If not "sight unseen," they made their decision "performance unfelt."
Making the Switch to Winter Tires
December 11, 2012
Last week's column looked at the advantages of using winter tires this time of year. Now, let's look at how you can go about making the switch from summer or all-season tires to winter tires.
Getting a Grip in Winter
December 4, 2012
I was bushwhacked the other day at the home center. A complete stranger came up to me and asked for tire advice while I was pondering in-line electrical switches.
Preventive Maintenance Goes a Long Way
November 27, 2012
In addition to hosting our first snowfall of the new winter season, October was also National Car Care month.
Be suspicious of estimates based on incomplete examinations of your car
November 20, 2012
There are ways of getting a second opinion that can lead you astray. Consider one woman who contacted me in a panic several years ago. Her car had begun making loud noises and would vibrate every time she stopped. So, she took it to her regular shop. These folks took the car for a brief test drive then put it on a lift, pulled the wheels off and came up with an estimate that called for $1,100 in brake work.
The Importance of a Second Opinion
November 13, 2012
When Helen Turner of Unionville took her 2004 Subaru Outback with 30,000 miles on the odometer in for an oil change, the last thing she expected was news that her car needed $1,600 in repairs. When she protested that she did not have $1,600 to spend on her car, the mechanic retreated, saying that she absolutely needed $800 in repairs right now and that she could return in a week or so for the additional work. She acquiesced to the $800 in repairs.
Safety Tips for Driving in a Hurricane
November 6, 2012
I was awakened at 5:47 on the morning that Sandy slammed into the Northeast, not by the storm, but by a call from a local television station. Would I be willing to talk about precautions that drivers should take if they have to go out in the storm, the producer asked? I told her I would, to which I was told to hold on for 10 minutes.
Do-It-Yourself Headlight Repair
October 31, 2012
Eight years seems to be the magic number when it comes to car headlamps. Our newest car is eight years old, as is a company vehicle that I occasionally use. Both were suffering from varying degrees of fogged over, yellowing headlights, with the company car having the worst symptoms by far.
Finding That Perfect Fit
October 23, 2012
We all like to be comfortable, whether it's at work or at home. But what about in our car? Outside of obvious considerations for head and leg room, few people think about how they'll fit in their cars. There are other factors besides roominess to keep in mind when determining how well we fit in our vehicles.
Do Your Research When Buying Used
October 17, 2012
No used car buyer wants to purchase a vehicle that was seriously damaged and then repaired by the previous owner. Whether it was a crash, a flood, or some other calamity that caused the damage, it's possible the car will never quite be same even after repairs.
What's that Button do?
October 3, 2012
"Eco" buttons are common features in many of today's new cars, but what exactly do they do?
Choosing a Warranty that Works for You
September 26, 2012
Would a large, unexpected car repair bill represent a major problem for your budget? Could you easily handle an $800 control module replacement, a $3,000 transmission rebuild or a $5,000 engine repair? Your answer could determine whether or not an extended service plan, often called an extended warranty, makes sense for you.
New Ways to Plug in and Turn On
September 26, 2012
While there are still only a few plug-in hybrid vehicles on the market, the concept of a plug-in hybrid is, by now, old news. This type of hybrid charges its batteries from a household outlet. This battery power is then used to propel the car using an electric motor, with a gasoline engine taking over once the batteries are exhausted.
New Ways to Plug in and Turn On
September 19, 2012
While there are still only a few plug-in hybrid vehicles on the market, the concept of a plug-in hybrid is, by now, old news. This type of hybrid charges its batteries from a household outlet. This battery power is then used to propel the car using an electric motor, with a gasoline engine taking over once the batteries are exhausted.
Why Higher Prices Are The New Normal
September 12, 2012
It's a presidential election year, which means we're hearing politicians talk about "the new normal" whenever the topic of the economy or political gridlock comes up. But there's also a new normal in the automotive arena. While it's been around for some time, I've only just started to recognize that the higher prices I've seen for several years are now the status quo.
How Safe It Your Car? It Depends
September 5, 2012
Last week, I examined the new offset barrier crash test that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) introduced to automakers and the car-buying public. In this test, only 25 percent of the car's frontal structure on the driver's side has to absorb all of the energy generated in a 40 mile per hour collision with a rigid barrier.
Safe At Any Angle
August 29, 2012
Last June, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave a presentation in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. titled, "New Developments in Occupant Protection - Small Overlap Crash Test." Sounds a bit dry, you say?
Heavy Hauling Doesn't Require Dropping Big Money
August 22, 2012
When architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe adopted the motto "Less is more," he was referring to a minimalist approach that favored getting more function and design cues from a building's structural elements. While he didn't have cars in mind, current trends suggest this idea could work in the automotive world as well.
The Ups And Downs Of Convertibles
August 15, 2012
A week spent with the 2012 Volvo C70 retractable hardtop convertible prompted me to recall the convertibles I've had for review over the years. Not all have been overwhelming automotive successes, but all have been wonderful on a day when the weather invites open air driving.
Predicting The Future
August 8, 2012
The environment in which we live was summed up neatly by Isaac Asimov when he wrote, "The only constant is change..." Keeping track of change is hard enough. Predicting it is even more challenging.
Keeping Up With The Techies
August 1, 2012
Last week's column touched upon the complex technology that's becoming more and more common in even low-priced cars and highlighted the effort taken by Serra Automotive in Grand Blanc, Mich., to make sure car buyers are getting the most from these systems.
Complex Vehicles Create New Opportunities
July 25, 2012
Today's vehicles are technological wonders. Managing the latest features, however, is proving to be an ongoing challenge for both dealers and customers. Theoretically, technical advancements should make our lives simpler. Unfortunately, it doesn't always work that way, especially in the "connected" car.
Safety Feature Surprises
July 18, 2012
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) completed a preliminary analysis of some of the newest safety features that automakers have been offering consumers, and some of the results are surprising. Here is what the IIHS found regarding forward collision warning, adaptive headlights and lane departure warning.
Seat-of-the-Pants Driving
July 12, 2012
It's called kinesthetic sense, the ability of a driver to "feel" what the car is actually doing at any given moment. A skilled and experienced driver uses this feedback to intuitively compare what he wants the car to do versus what the car is actually doing.
Plenty Of Travelers Hitting The Road This Week
July 5, 2012
While there are some historians who argue we should celebrate Independence Day on July 2, rather than on the fourth, holiday travelers probably give little thought to the issue. "The fourth is the fourth," they'll say, despite the fact that the Second Continental Congress approved the resolution for independence from Great Britain on July 2, 1776. It was the Declaration of Independence that came two days later.
When To Part Company With Your Old Car
June 27, 2012
The economy is improving for many people. That encouraging news notwithstanding, there remain a large number of drivers who are trying to eek every mile possible out of their vehicle. This has prompted many to ask if there are any rules to follow that will help them know when the time has come to buy a new car.
Summertime Means Increased Risk For Teen Drivers
June 20, 2012
"Summertime, and the livin' is easy," or so the lyrics by DuBose Heyward proclaim in George Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess." The driving, however, may not be so easy, especially for teenagers.
When "New And Improved" Really Is Just That
June 13, 2012
We're not even halfway through 2012 but automakers are already introducing and selling 2013 models.
Importance Of Monitoring Tire Pressure Rises In The Summer
June 6, 2012
The push for tire pressure monitoring systems, required on all new cars and light trucks since 2008, can be traced to the Ford Firestone tire controversy in 2000. That's when the failures of the Explorer's Firestone tires first came to the public's attention, prompted by reports of tire tread separations leading to rollovers that caused injuries and deaths.
Putting The Brakes On Autonomous Cars
May 30, 2012
For folks eagerly awaiting the autonomous vehicles promised in Hanna-Barbera's "The Jetsons," the New England Motor Press Association Technology Conference held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology earlier this month delivered a stiff dose of reality.
Young Technicians Put On The Spot
May 23, 2012
It wasn't a promising start for the hands-on portion of the state finals of the Ford AAA Auto Skills Contest on May 10.


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Tellicherry Peppercorns
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You have the advantage on me. You are reading this Sunday (or later if you're waited to dig it out of the neighbor's garbage and scraped off the fettuccini Alfredo). I, however, am writing this before knowing how many jobs Andy Reid has accepted.
Surely he has taken more than just the Kansas City gig. In the last week his name has been mentioned seemingly for every NFL vacancy plus it would not be surprising if he was offered the job of restoring Hostess Brands, Inc. and saving the Twinkie. Besides, running the Chiefs has hardly been a fulltime job for years. He can do so much more.
So doesn't this incredible competition for Reid make the Philadelphia Eagles look like the world's dumbest team for dumping him? The ending I would love is for the Eagles to hire him back by having to double his salary. Now that Santa is taking his annual 51-week vacation, Reid clearly is the most popular big-boned celebrity in the country.
Which leads us to the problem facing all the teams that need a head coach but did not land Reid. How can they come up with coaches that will excite their fan base?
Of course you should never ask a question if you do not have the answer. And my answer is brilliant: Hire a celebrity and let the assistant coaches do the heavy lifting. Hey, they do most of it anyway, so why not do all of it?
Here are the new head coaches I want to see:
• Philadelphia: Andy Reid. Knows the players and knows the system. A perfect choice.
• Cleveland: LeBron James. If he came back, who in Cleveland would care about what he would be doing? He'd be back. Good enough.
• Buffalo: Marv Levy. Granted, he may be 112 years old but he's still smarter and sharper than any other candidate. Besides, he's willing to live there.
• San Diego: Will Ferrell in his Ron Burgundy persona. He's already San Diego's most popular newsman, he'd give great interviews and he couldn't possibly be worse than Norv Turner.
• Arizona: Ron Rivera, whose mother is of Mexican descent.
• Kansas City: Wilbert Harrison. Granted they already hired Reid and Wilbert's been dead for nearly 20 years but so has the Chief's franchise. Besides, Wilbert recorded "Kansas City," including that famous line: "I'm gonna be standing on the corner of Twelfth Street and Vine/With my Kansas City baby, and a bottle of Kansas City wine..." Sounds like the only way to coach Chiefs' football to me.
• Chicago: Michael Jordan. He's proven that he can't hit a baseball and can't coach basketball, so why not give football a try?
• Jacksonville: Tim Tebow. Come on, it's perfect. He'd never have to throw a pass but think of the weekly inspiring locker room speeches. This way he could stand on the sidelines and nobody would snicker.
Think about it. Except for Chicago, nobody expects any of these teams to be good anyway but, with my coaching suggestions (except possibly Wilbert Harrison), they sure would be a lot more fun.
And the Super Bowl champion is . . .
Again you have me at a disadvantage as — while I'm writing — I do not know who won Saturday's games. I picked the Texans by 8 and the Pack by 6. As for today and the rest of the tournament:
Indianapolis (11-5 Straight Up, 10-6 Against The Spread) at Baltimore (10-6 SU, 7-8-1 ATS) Sunday — Ravens favored by 7
"Last Ride." The Ray Lewis retirement announcement was brilliant. The Colts rode emotion all season but the Ravens stole it to add to Baltimore's natural hatred of the runaway-from-home Colts. Plus, Luck's popularity exceeds his ability away from Indy. Summation: Colts are playoffs' weakest entry.
Jerry says: Ravens by 9.


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By Scott Blough, Team X-T.R.E.M.E. Times Square Team Leader
Where it Began
In August of 2012, I traveled to Leesburg, VA for the Mid-Atlantic Super Spartan. This was my first exposure to the sport of obstacle course racing (OCR). While on the festival grounds I heard bagpipes coming closer and noticed a group of soldiers entering the starting area. The announcer informed us that these men were part of a group called Team X-T.R.E.M.E. We turned our attention to the skies where we saw a black parachute open and the announcer told us during his descent that the team was going to run this course with two wounded warriors. One of the wounded warriors, Noah Galloway, was being tandem parachute jumped in to the event.
The team assembled. It was at this point when I got my first look at Todd Love. Todd is a triple amputee. Missing both legs being above the knee and his left arm below the elbow, he served as a Recon Marine before his injuries. He is carried by the team in a backpack throughout the race. I quickly snapped a picture on my phone and cheered them on as they took off to conquer the course. That was the last time I saw the team that day, I stopped by the Team X-T.R.E.M.E. booth on the way out of the festival grounds and grabbed a t-shirt.
Joining the Team
Upon returning to North Carolina I began doing research on Team X-T.R.E.M.E. to find out who they were. As the pictures and videos of the race came out they were nothing short of amazing. The images of Todd climbing the 25 foot rope in Leesburg have become known throughout the sport of Obstacle Course Racing (OCR). As I dug deeper into the articles on the internet I started to become more inspired by the team and the mission. The statement "We give opportunity not sympathy" was the final straw for me I was hooked. I signed up as a Team X-T.R.E.M.E. Community Athlete (TXCA) then started looking for ways to join the team. I learned that there was an indoctrination (INDOC) process to try out for the team.
I signed up for the INDOC class 003-012. We started with eight people trying out for the team with two wounded warriors. Class 003-012 had six people finish, of those six; four were selected to join the team. We were issued our Avon C-50 gas masks and welcomed to the team.
Times Square
Reebok Spartan Times Square Challenge was my first event as a team leader. Times Square was an amazing opportunity for Team X-T.R.E.M.E. to get our mission out to the world and support Spartan Race, an organization that has lent us a great deal of opportunity and exposure. The race course allowed the spectators to get right up next to the action and see the whole course. Many of our community athletes were on hand, as well as two wounded warriors – Todd Love and Eduard Lychik. As a team, we tackled the course in Times Square Lychik and Love demonstrating extreme acts of physical strength and endurance. Watching them climb the ropes simultaneously was a sight I will never forget. We got to meet many spectators and some celebrities like Tiki Barber and Brooklyn Decker. We even met Reebok Spartan athletes Hobie Call and Spencer Hendel. It was a great day!
After the race the team headed to Ground Zero where we took a tour of the memorial that opened in 2011. The memorial is overwhelming. The names of the fallen line the outer edge the memorial appropriately named "Reflecting Absence." The mood of the team was very somber at the memorial. We focused on how that day had changed our lives and where we might have been had that never happened. Most of the team members have at least one combat deployment in support of the Global War on Terror. To stand at the physical location that started it all was a great opportunity for the team. We look forward to more events in 2013 and supporting our mission to honor, empower, and motivate wounded service members.
See additional Team X-T.R.E.M.E. pictures from Times Square HERE. Photos courtesy of Kevin High Photography.
[Editor's Note: Scott Blough grew up in Fairfield, Iowa and joined the Army in 2000. Blough has served as a medical sergeant in Army Special Operations for the past 9 years. Blough as deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 5 times between 2005 and 2010. Blough is currently attending Campbell University where he will earn a Bachelor of health Science later this year.]
Tags: Brooklyn Decker, Eduard Lychik, hobie call, Joe De Sena, Reebok Spartan Race, Reebok Spartan Race Times Square Challenge, Scott Blough, Spencer Hendel, Team X-T.R.E.M.E., Tiki Barber, Todd Love


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Dennis Hall, Mr. Dependable, thrilled about FAMUby Jason Lieser
Pahokee's Dennis Hall has been one of the area's best possession receivers over the past two seasons and now he's taking his reliable hands to Florida A&M.
Hall said today he is elated over becoming a Rattler.
"If Florida State offered me today, I'd still go to FAMU," he said. "I love it."
Hall (5-11, 175) caught 23 passes for 218 yards and a touchdown this season. He is a cousin of former Pahokee and FSU great Anquan Boldin, now a receiver for the Arizona Cardinals.
As a junior in 2008, Hall scored the game-winning touchdown for Pahokee with 55 seconds left in the Class 2B championship.
All commitments are non-binding. No player is locked into a school until he signs a national letter of intent. The first day seniors can sign is Feb. 3, national signing day.
Tags: Anquan Boldin, Dennis Hall, FAMU, Football, Pahokee, Recruiting


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I've looked at the front page, and noticed we are very quickly getting to an over-burdened 'portal' style, like Yahoo ect..
I feel that currently there is simply too much information on the front page. Anyone coming for the first time would simply be lost, and just because we have info, must we display it - critically I'm sugesting the following for discussion:
Remove the current forum topics. This doesn't convey much of the forum, and is unlikely to solve someone's problem immediately. Most people don't need encouraged to explore forums, and its well linked, so newbies will find it.
Remove the article categories, that's the purpose of the article page. The two big article columns at the top are brilliaint and eye catching, and will easily draw the reader into the articles page for more info, or to read those seen.
Join up the hosted sites, outside sites, link to us and sponsers (cool!) into one banner section with a few headers, in a smart way to remove that fragmentation
Move the stats box into the forums, as its not really much use or interest other than a gimic.
I know this'll thin out the front page a bit, but explorability and simplicity (less options is more) really matters :)
Anyway, tell me why my requests are stupid and I should eat my cat :D


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EDMONTON - It may look like little more than ordinary sand, but without it, the U.S. energy boom would expire like a beached whale.
Frac sand — the tiny grains of silica sand used in hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking" — is in such high demand, it's been dubbed "white gold" by some in the oilpatch.
By injecting water, chemicals and frac sand at high pressure into rock formations deep underground, energy producers have been able to unlock vast new supplies of shale gas and tight oil.
As a result, the U.S. — long the world's largest importer of oil and natural gas — is rapidly morphing into a global energy superpower.
Most of the frac sand used in North Dakota's Bakken oil play, British Columbia's Montney shale gas play or Alberta's Duvernay oil and gas liquids play comes from states like Wyoming or Wisconsin, where the spherical granules are prized for their crush strength and other key properties.
CN Rail, which operates about a dozen frac sand facilities in Wisconsin and expects to generate $300 million a year of related revenues by 2015, recently began shipping the product to a major new handling terminal near Grande Prairie.
Now, Athabasca Minerals (TSXV:ABM), a small Edmonton-based junior miner that operates gravel pits in the Fort McMurray area for oilsands producers, aims to get in on the action.
If successful, Athabasca's stock price could more than double, says analyst Fabrice Taylor, publisher of the President's Club investment letter and a longtime company shareholder.
Two years ago, Athabasca applied to the province for a permit to develop its Firebag frac sand deposit north of Fort McMurray.
Since transport costs are key, Firebag's proximity to the big oil and gas plays in Western Canada gives it a big edge over U.S. sources, says company CEO Dom Kriangkum. In addition, the frac sand at Firebag is also comparable in quality to the grades found in Wisconsin or Wyoming, he adds.
But until Athabasca gets its permit and brings Firebag into production, it's a moot point. Since the review process has dragged on for two years, partly due to staff turnover at Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, shareholders are more than a little frustrated.
"I think it's absolutely outrageous. This is a province that holds itself out as being business friendly, but they're not," Taylor fumes.
"This project is the perfect hedge to one of the big threats to the oilsands, which is the growth of fracking and shale oil. So you would think it would be a priority in the government's eyes. Well, it's obviously not."
Since last fall, scores of provincial environment officers have moved over to the new industry-funded Alberta Energy Regulator, where salary levels are higher.
"It's just a joke frankly," says Taylor. "As a result, valuable projects like this, which I think is worth potentially $100 million, are just twisting in the wind because these guys can't get their act together."
Joanne Sweeney, an official with Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, admits staff turnover has been an issue. But she says Athabasca is partly responsible for the delays in the permitting process.
"They initially came in with a 500-acre lease application, which is well outside the allocation policy. So we told them what they had to do to reduce it down to 80 acres, and then they had to submit their requirements for that, which took time. So it's both on our side and on their side," she says.
For his part, whatever frustrations he shares, Kriangkum prefers to use diplomatic language in describing his dealings with the province.
"We have worked very hard to secure the development permit, and we had expected that we would have received it already," he concedes.
"But through the changes in the government and other factors, things got pushed back. Now we're working with a new officer who is dealing with our file," he says.
"Regardless, this project is going to take a fair bit of time to get organized. If we had approval today it's still going to take six months to advance certain things, and then it's probably going to take us about 18 months to get completely into production. So it's very critical for us."
To prepare for a ramp up in spending, Athabasca recently completed a $5.75 million financing. It has also beefed up its board and management team, naming former Alberta Deputy Premier Peter Elzinga as a director, and appointing former Shear Minerals CEO Pamela Strand as a vice-president.
"I first started buying Athabasca's stock at 25 cents, and I recently added some more at $1.45," says Taylor. "I think eventually, assuming there is one iota of reason left in this government, the Firebag project will get permitted."


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